Kuwento Co. at Two Sacred December Gatherings
December is always a sacred season—one filled with reflection, tradition, and togetherness. This past December, Kuwento Co. was honored to take part in two Simbang Gabi celebrations, held on December 16 and December 23, each offering a beautiful opportunity to connect with the Filipino community through faith, culture, and storytelling.
Both evenings reminded us why Simbang Gabi is more than a novena—it is a living tradition passed down through generations, rooted in devotion, hope, and shared stories.
Simbang Gabi – December 16
A Night of Welcome, Connection, and Song
On December 16, Kuwento Co. participated in Simbang Gabi at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church. We were invited to table during the post-Mass reception, where families gathered to celebrate the first night of this meaningful novena.
At our table, attendees were encouraged to fill out prayer intention cards, which they returned in exchange for a small faith-based freebie. These included ornaments, bookmarks, keychains, oil bottles, rosaries, stickers, and other thoughtful items—simple tokens meant to extend the spirit of prayer and reflection beyond the evening.
What made this night especially meaningful was the genuine connection with Filipino families—listening to their stories, learning about their traditions, and sharing the heart behind Kuwento Co.’s legacy projects. We also had the opportunity to display Kuwento Co. published books, opening conversations about storytelling, memory-keeping, and preserving family histories.
A true highlight of the evening was witnessing Dr. Pat Lindsay “Pinky” C. Catalla-Buscano, Founder of Kuwento Co., share her beautiful singing voice, accompanied by Alma DeAlejandro, Program & Community Coordinator. Their musical offering was a heartfelt gift—one that added warmth and reverence to an already special night.
We are deeply grateful to Filipino American National Historical Society for their presence, partnership, and continued commitment to promoting and preserving Filipino American history. Their support made the evening even more impactful.
Simbang Gabi – December 23
Continuing the Journey Toward Christmas
One week later, on December 23, Kuwento Co. once again had the privilege of joining the Simbang Gabi celebration—this time as the community prepared for the final days leading up to Christmas.
While the setting and flow of the evening were different, the heart of Simbang Gabi remained the same: faith, fellowship, and community. Families gathered once more in reverence and joy, carrying forward the prayers, traditions, and anticipation that define this novena.
This second gathering allowed us to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones, continuing conversations sparked earlier in the month. We shared more about Kuwento Co.’s mission, listened to stories rooted in family and faith, and witnessed once again how deeply storytelling and tradition are intertwined within Filipino culture.
Each Simbang Gabi evening felt like a chapter in a larger story—one written collectively by the community through prayer, music, memory, and presence.
Carrying the Light Forward
Participating in both Simbang Gabi celebrations was a reminder that storytelling does not always begin on the page. Sometimes, it begins at a table, through a prayer card, a shared song, or a quiet conversation after Mass.
Kuwento Co. is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside the community during these sacred gatherings and to honor the traditions that continue to shape identity, faith, and legacy.
As we move forward, we carry these moments with us—grateful for the connections made, the stories shared, and the light that Simbang Gabi brings into the season.